12/3/12
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Brennan Smith '14 |
Randolph-Macon College student
Brennan Smith ’14 hails from Everett, Washington, just north of Seattle. After a campus visit, though, he felt right at home at R-MC.
“I fell in love with the campus right away,” he says. “Coming from a big city, I love R-MC’s close community, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. And in the winter, there is nothing more beautiful than the Randolph-Macon campus covered in snow.”
Smith, a
communication studies major and
political science and
ethics minor, is a member of numerous
campus organizations. He serves as the alumni relations officer for
Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity; he is president of the Inter-Fraternity Council; and he is a member of the Lunch Bunch—students who meet regularly with alumni to discuss career goals and options.
“Through the Lunch Bunch meetings I have been able to gain valuable advice and guidance, especially from Trustees
Anne Derby McDougall ’79 and
Pepper Laughon ’59,” he says. The group meets in Estes Dining Hall a few times each semester.
Smith, the former president and co-founder of R-MC’s Young Democrats club, is also a former
Resident Assistant. He is currently an active member of the
Leadership Fellows Program, a multi-year program that facilitates leadership development.
“The Leadership Program is a stepping stone that helps students learn about the theories and structures of leadership,” he explains. “Each year there is a different theme to the program and we find ourselves relating leadership theories to our own situations as leaders on campus. Assistant Dean of Students James McGhee and Coordinator of
Student Life Monique Sample run the program and help students relate what we learn in class to what we encounter beyond the classroom.”
A Phi Kappa Sigma Legacy
Scholarship recipient, Smith chose R-MC—and his majors— with an eye toward the future.
“Ultimately I’d like a career in politics, so naturally Randolph-Macon was a great fit for me,” he explains. “It’s close to D.C. and it has top-of-the-line communication studies and political science programs. I will really stand out when I apply for jobs.”
Smith has participated in a lot of
community service since arriving at Randolph-Macon, mostly through Phi Kappa Sigma. The fraternity earned the 2011 Excellence in Philanthropy Award because of its philanthropic work with local charities and organizations. Smith is the 2012 recipient of the Commitment to Fraternal Relevance Award, which is given to a student who best demonstrates ethical leadership in the Greek Community. In addition, he received the 2012 Sophomore Class Leadership Award.
During summer 2012, Smith served as a field organizer on a congressional campaign in the Pacific Northwest.
“I first interned for Congressman Rick Larsen’s campaign during my senior year of high school and was then offered a job to help run his campaign last summer,” he says. “During January Term 2013 I will be interning at the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus. I will film committee hearings, research legislation, and attend meetings with our Senators. I’m very excited about the
internship. I can really see myself having a career in politics. More than likely I will be spending a good chunk of my career on The Hill in D.C.”